Mariners not pushing Pineiro after elbow injury

A 16-game winner in 2003 who began this year as the team's No. 2
starter behind Freddy Garcia, Pineiro has been on the 15-day
disabled list since July 26 because of a strained right elbow.

"My feeling is we won't see him back during the regular
season," manager Bob Melvin said. "I don't think there's any
reason not to be cautious. For me, there's no reason to rush him
back for this season."

Pineiro, 25, was hurt when he threw a pitch during a start July
25 in Seattle against Anaheim. He complained of soreness in the
eighth inning and left after throwing 114 pitches.

The Mariners don't feel any pressure to return Pineiro to their
rotation since they've long been out of contention in the AL West.
They began Tuesday night's game with a 46-77 record and 24½ games
out of first place.

Initially, the team feared Pineiro had ligament damage and might
need elbow surgery, but two MRIs showed there was none.

Pineiro began light throwing on flat ground in the outfield
before Tuesday night's game with Tampa Bay.

The Mariners hope he'll be able to pitch in the Arizona Fall
League in October, Melvin said.

In 21 starts this season, Pineiro was 6-11 record with a 4.67
ERA in 140 2-3 innings. Last season, he was 16-11 with a 3.78 ERA
in 32 starts and 211 2/3 innings.